Express & Star

Fantastic Florence celebrates her 103rd birthday

“Good living, no alcohol, a caring family and good family values.”

Published
Florence Bradnock with her family

Those are the secrets to a long life according to a talented pianist who has just turned 103.

Florence Bradnock, who lives at Highcroft Hall Residential Care Home in Bushbury, marked the special occasion on Sunday (oct15).

She celebrated alongside her family at the care home in Old Fallings Lane.

Florence was born in 1914 in George Street, Ettingshall to parents Alice and George and is the last surviving of her six siblings.

Her father was a blacksmith and during the war years acted as a farrier for the horses used in battle on the frontline in Belgium.

When asked her secret to reaching such an incredible age, Florence said: “Good living, no alcohol, a caring family and good family values.”

She first met her future husband Francis at the Ever Ready Factory in Park Lane where she worked.

The couple married in 1940 and had two daughters, Eileen and Christine, who Florence gave up work for to look after full time.

Eileen said: “Mum is amazing and is such a kind and likeable person, always taking such an interest in her family.

"She is loved so much by all her family. She and dad were devoted to each other and were never apart – they were inseparable.”

Florence was a talented pianist and played well into her 90s.

She had the ability to play by ear, without any sheet music.

Eileen added: “She was always playing at parties and Christmas.”

In later life Florence and Francis lived in Fallings Park before moving to Pendeford.

After almost 75 years of marriage Francis, who was 96, died after a fall.

The family has now blossomed to include four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Jayne Woods, activities leader at the care home said: “Florence is a really lovely lady – she still always makes an effort donning her favourite lipstick.”